Substance Consumption of school-aged children

Diverse speeches and writings (2023)

Dual factor model of adolescent mental: profiles of school-aged children in Luxembourg

Scientific Conference (2023)

Background The Dual Factor Model (DFM) of mental health takes in account the psychopathology symptoms, but also the positive affects of well-being, in order to have a comprehensive view of mental health ... [more ▼]

Background The Dual Factor Model (DFM) of mental health takes in account the psychopathology symptoms, but also the positive affects of well-being, in order to have a comprehensive view of mental health. Objective Explore the profiles of the well-being and mental health, based on the DFM, and the factors associated to it, during adolescence in Luxembourg. Method The study is based on the 2022 HBSC survey. It comprehends 7201 adolescents from 11 to 18-years old, that attended schools in Luxembourg with national curriculum. Based on DFM and according to subjective well-being (WHO-5 Index) and anxiety symptomatology (GAD-2), the sample was divided in 4 groups: 1. complete mental health; 2. incomplete mental health; 3. incomplete mental illness; 4. complete mental illness. It was performed descriptive and bivariate analysis based on a selection of sociodemographic, physical and social variables. Results Results show that most of the adolescents have Complete mental health (49.5%), followed by 21.9% of Complete mental illness (Incomplete mental health 16.3%; Incomplete mental illness 12.2%). Each group has different characteristics. For instance, Complete mental illness is characterized by girls, adolescents with fair/poor perceived health, frequent multiple health complaints, who rarely practice vigorous physical activity, who report low/medium support from teacher, low support from family and often feel lonely. Conclusion The four profiles vary according to the influence of well-being on mental health. Interventions and prevent strategies should focus on girls and physical and social dimensions of adolescents’ life. [less ▲]

Profiles of cannabis consumption among school-aged children in Luxembourg

Poster (2022)

Background: Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug globally, with almost 200 million users in 2019. This use is associated with many negative health consequences and social problems, such as low ... [more ▼]

Background: Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug globally, with almost 200 million users in 2019. This use is associated with many negative health consequences and social problems, such as low school performance and other drug use. Cannabis use can be articularly harmful if it starts early, if it’s excessive or if it occurs associated with other forms of problematic behaviours. A lot of health behaviours, good or bad, emerge during adolescence and remain through the life course. Changing unhealthy behaviours in adolescence would significantly impact society, such as reducing the load of disease, injuries, and economic costs. The objective of this study is to explore cannabis consumption profiles and the factors related to it during adolescence. Methods: This study is based on the 2017/2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Luxembourg survey. Participated 6 880 adolescents, aged 12 to 18-year-old, that attended schools in Luxembourg that teach according to the national. Adolescents answered if they used cannabis during their lifetime and during the past month. Following, they were categorized into 4 groups: 1. never consumed cannabis in a lifetime; 2. consumed in a lifetime but not in the past month; 3. non-daily use during the past month and; 4. daily use (or almost) during the past month. To compare and characterize the groups, descriptive and bivariate analyzes were undertaken, as well as their significance level. Results: Results show that most of the adolescents (81.8%) never consumed cannabis in their lifetime; 9.4% declared a consumption during their lifetime but not the past month; 6.6% used during the past month, non-daily; and 2.2% used (almost) daily during the past month. Different profiles emerge between the groups, particularly with regard to socio-demographic characteristics and risky behaviours. In the case of social relationships and indicators of health and well-being, differences exist but are not as pronounced. Boys, older students and those who do not live with both parents are more likely to be part of groups that have used cannabis. In addition, most risk behaviours show a dose-response relationship with cannabis use. The increase in risky behaviours translates into not only a greater likelihood of using cannabis but also a greater frequency of use. Conclusion: The four different profiles evolve gradually with the frequency of cannabis consumption. This dose-effect relationship has been highlighted between cannabis consumption and the other variables present but is especially true for risk behaviours. Prevention strategies should distinguish adolescents from each of these groups, starting in early adolescence and focus on risk behaviours as a whole. [less ▲]